Title: A Chance at happiness 8/?

Author: Christen (purplehaysc@netscape.net)

Disclaimer: these characters belong to once and again except any characters you don't recognize

Distribution: Take it, but let me know. If you have any of my other fics, go ahead.

Comments: email me all you comments and suggestions. This is my first once and again fan fic so any ideas or comments you have would be great. So please email me with them. J

Grace could tell that something was wrong with Rick the moment she got in the car.  She had no clue what it was though. She decided to ask him despite the fact that her gut instinct was to not say anything.

"Rick, what's wrong?" She asked nervously.

He did not say anything and just presided to drive faster.

When they finally stopped a red light, he spoke up. "So when did Eli start lying for you?"

Shocked by the question she did not say anything.

"I know he didn't meet you at the library and take you home. I know he went to see his mother. Now tell me why he lied for you!"

"I don't know I didn't ask him to." She said defensively.

"So where were you, Grace? He cannot be your alibi anymore. So you might as well tell the truth!"

"Why should I tell you? You are not my father! And my life really isn't any of your business!" She said with fury and added. "You wouldn't believe me any way."

They drove up into the driveway.

"Fine! If that is the way you're going to be. But you're going to have to tell your mother." He got out and walked into the house.

"Fine! Then I will tell her!" She yelled back at him, slammed the door, and walked into the house.

Eli noticed his lock in Lily's hand. "Um… Lily I can explain."

"Oh really? Let's hear it. I want to know why your lock is in my daughter's bed!" Lily said with fury.

"It's not what you think…"

"Oh come you what do I think! Or the better question is what lie are you going to give me!"

"Lily, please…."

"Please, what? I've stood up for to everyone and this is how you repay me! By taking advantage of my daughter!"

"Lily I didn't!"

"Like I'd believe you! After everything you've lied about. Why would I believe you now!"

"You have to, Please Lily you have to! Grace and…"

She threw the lock at him. "Don't you dare blame my daughter!"

Grace and Rick walked in. "Mom, what are you doing!" She asked as she saw her throw the lock at Eli. She went over to him. "Are you ok?'

"Grace, get away from him!"

She turned to her mother. "You just threw a medal lock at your own step son why should I even listen you?"

Rick walked over to Lily. "What happened?"

"I found this in Grace's bed." She pointed towards the lock.

Grace looked at Eli. "It must have fallen off last night…"

"Last night after he lied for you?" Rick said.

"What is he talking about?" Lily asked Grace.

"Who told you?" Eli asked Rick.

"Your mother."

"Of course."

"Ok some one clue me in here. What is going on?" Lily asked.

"I went to see my mother last night." Eli said.

"But you said…" Lily said.

"He lied for me." Grace said.

"And what was he covering for you for?" Rick asked.

"Nothing, look you two aren't going to believe us any way." Eli said.

"Well we're not going to believe you. That's for sure." Lily said.

"Mom!" Grace said.

"Don't you raise your voice to your mother!" Rick said.

"Ok, that's it I'm leaving! Because this is going no where's!" Eli said.

"Of course you'd leave. That's your solution to everything!" Rick said.

"Eli, can I come with you?" Grace asked.

"Yeah sure." Eli said.

"You're not going any where's!" Lily said.

"Watch me!" Grace said as they ran down the stairs.

Rick and Lily ran after them. By the time they caught up with them, they were backing out of the drive way.